Arvidsjaur Reykjavik enchanting Tampere Oslo Stockholm Mainz Glasgow Göteborg you! Koblenz Dublin Riga Kerry Kaunas Kaiserslautern London Gdansk Minsk Speyer Frankfurt-Hahn Wroclaw Katowice Worms Santiago de Bratislava Compostela Budapest Biarritz Verona Balaton Santander Milan Venice Porto Montpellier Bologna Madrid Reus Pisa Gerona Faro Jerez de la Pescara Frontera Valencia Bari Majorca Alghero Malaga Granada

Fès Marrakech Tenerife Fuerteventura Touchdown in the heart of Romance! Only one hour to castles, kings, Kaisers and the beautiful Loreley We welcome you to the Central Rhine Valley, designated as a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site. Enjoy the sights of the region. From the cities of Worms, Speyer, Kaiserslautern, Trier, Koblenz and Mainz, as well as the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, walk in the footsteps of ’s history. Some of the country’s most valuable historical treasures are only a short drive away from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. And once you have had your fi ll, simply take a connection to the next destination: Madrid, Budapest, London or Stockholm perhaps?

However, fi rst and foremost: we are glad to have you as our guest! www.hahn-airport.de

EV 105x210 4c UK.indd 1 14.12.2007 14:06:43 Uh Trier inviting Mainz you! Koblenz Kaiserslautern Speyer Worms

A feeling that goes under your skin...

Treat yourself to a holiday of pure romance and full of passion. Six towns in south- west Germany invite you to partake in exciting experiences, creative pleasures and unforgettable memories. The romantic cities of Trier, Koblenz, Mainz, Worms, Speyer and Kaiserslautern – all boasting a wealth of history, all situated along the Rhine and Moselle rivers and all of them marked by legendary castles and palaces, mighty and churches, crooked old streets and modern shopping arcades, alluring culinary specialities and world-famous wines. Sparkling moments are guaranteed... ! The weather and climate have always been particularly kind to this region. Fresh fragrant air rests over the elevations of the Palatine Forest while lower down, the abun- dant Rhine Valley fans out like the Garden of Eden: It is here that almond trees present their pink blossoms so early in the year, figs and lemons ripen in the summer warmth and, in autumn, a sea of grapes transforms the hills of the vineyards into a golden vista. This is the vast, beautiful, earthy, wine-loving and sun-drenched land of Rhineland- Palatinate. Its charming towns and picturesque landscapes provide the enchanting surroundings for your sparkling romantic holiday treat.

Treat yourself to art, culture and history, events, wellness and pleasure! 2 11 Trier exciting Mainz you! Koblenz Kaiserslautern Speyer Worms

Mainz Palatinate Forest Places to indulge your passion... Getting to your prickling experience...

Let‘s go to the Romantik Cities! Sparkling moments guaranteed, passions aroused! Getting to Rhineland-Palatinate from UK, Ireland or Sweden by air couldn‘t be simpler Enter Trier as the Romans once did, through the Porta Nigra gate. Amid the lively or more fun, and Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is the ideal starting point from which to atmosphere of the medieval city, sights such as the amphitheatre, the Roman baths explore the state. and the majestic throne room of Emperor are bound to impress anyone with even the most fleeting interest in history! Did you know that Trier Cathedral More detailed information on www.romantic-cities.com. is Germany‘s oldest church, and in the 4th century AD was the largest church in the whole Roman Empire? Koblenz is where the Moselle meets the Rhine, beneath the Kaiser-Wilhelm monument at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner), just a stone‘s throw from the old quarter. Are you fascinated by the Romantic Rhine? Stol- zenfels Castle is the first of more than 40 castles, palaces and fortresses in the Rhine Valley. Delve into the legend of the mysterious Loreley… When the grapes hang fat and heavy on the vine, the true charm of Mainz comes to the fore with countless wine festivals, quaint bars and a vibrant young restaurant scene. Surrounded by the renowned wine-making regions of Rheinhessen and Rhein- gau, this is a place where you can indulge and develop your passion for fine wine, and enjoy a varied programme of cultural events. Once an important centre of politics and power, Speyer has been shaped by rulers with a passion for architecture. No fewer than eight German kings and emperors lie buried inside Speyer‘s awe-inspiring cathedral, the largest Romanesque church on the European continent Together with the cathedrals in Mainz and Worms, it forms a chain of Romanesque imperial cathedrals along the Rhine and symbolises the region‘s rich history. Kaiserslautern is known for the traditional passion of its inhabitants for the beau- tiful game. The football stadium is the scene of celebration, anxiety and even triumph – a real maelstrom of emotions. Kaiserslautern is a city of contrasts: the football arena, the natural beauty of the ancient Palatinate Forest, Europe‘s largest Japanese garden, cosy wine bars, and restaurants with French-inspired cooking. Passion can have many faces! Pride, war, jealousy and love are the ingredients of the epic medieval tale of the Nibelungs, in which trickery and deception lead to the murder of Siegfried the Dragon Slayer, Germany‘s most popular hero figure. Most of the scenes from the Song of the Nibelungs are set in and around Worms, a town where the boundaries between imagination and reality begin to blur, and where the Nibelung Festival brings the ancient Rhineland-Palatinate saga to life in its original setting... Tourist Board 4 Trier awaiting 6 Cities Mainz you! Koblenz Kaiserslautern Speyer Worms

Trier, Imperial Baths Mainz Cathedral

Trier – the second rome 1

Still to this day the colossal Porta Nigra town gate marks the largest Roman metropolis north of the Alps. In the historical old town of Trier, hundreds of years of architectural history blend together with trendy cafés and cosy wine taverns to create a captivating atmosphere. Germany’s oldest town is in the middle of the Moselle valley. Its idyllic en- virons abound with hidden treasures. Come and explore its beauty wandering through the vineyard slopes, strolling along the river banks or cruising down the Moselle, Saar or Ruwer rivers. Sparkling moments are guaranteed in Trier since it is Germany’s sparkling wine ma- king capital! The Petrisberg above the Roman amphitheatre is the perfect location to enjoy a picturesque sunset. The panoramic view from St. Mary’s Column down to the sun-drenched meander of the Moselle river is matchless for romantic evenings. Stylish candlelight dinners await you in the restaurants on the terraces of the Moselle river while a plethora of excellent meals and wines are to be found within the historic walls of the vineyards. Mainz – wine throughout the year 2 When the vines are sagging with an abundance of plump grapes this town on the Rhi- ne presents its most charming face with innumerable wine festivals and lively culinary experiences in the traditional vineyard taverns. The highlight is the Mainz Wine Market on the last weekend of August and the first weekend of September. Later in the year, sample exquisite Rheinhessen wines in the traditional wine taverns of the picturesque old town. Explore its narrow alleyways and splash out in its fancy shops. Among the oldest cities in Germany, Mainz boasts a vast 1000-year-old cathedral, a perfect backdrop for the sea of lights which illuminate the Christmas market during the Advent season. You will frequently encounter Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press – Mainz has dedicated the Gutenberg Museum and the Johannisfest at the end of June to its most famous son. You will be overwhelmed by the heavenly blue light of St. Stephan’s Church with its unique Chagall windows. The Shrove Mon- day procession is a festival of gaiety and the absolute highlight of the famous Mainz Carnival.

Ein Spaziergang durch die Altstadt und hinauf zum Kaiser Wilhelm-Denkmal am Deutschen Eck ist eine lebendige Geschichtsstunde. Mit der Fähre gelangen Sie über den Rhein zur spektakulären Festung Ehrenbreitstein. Ein Klassiker der Rheinromantik: die Schifffahrt auf dem Rhein von Koblenz zum sagenumwobenen Felsen der Loreley! Dazu Kunst in vielfältigen Museen, Kultur in Stadttheater und Kleinkunstbühnen, Shopping in kleinen Boutiquen und großen Malls ... und als prickelnde Erfrischung zwischendurch ein schäumender Rieslingsekt aus der Region! 6 7 awaiting you! Speyer – the imperial city 5

Speyer looks back on over 2000 years of living history and rightly bears its imperial title – no fewer than eight German kings and emperors lie buried in the awe-inspiring . The largest Roman church in Germany has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1981 and attracts visitors from all over the world with its medieval beauty. Once a centre of politics and power, today Speyer captivates visitors with its peer- less sights and impressive historical Old Town. The Via Triumphalis, Speyer’s shopping promenade, is lined by hundreds of open-air seats for ‘spectators’. Between the ca- Koblenz, Ehrenbreitstein Kaiserslautern Speyer, Old Gate thedral and the Altpörtel a wealth of modern street cafés, traditional wine taverns and 3 lively bistros are bunched together like pearls on a string. Oleanders adorn your way through the romantic alleys, palms decorate the historic squares while the promenades Koblenz – the only town on the Rhine & Moselle rivers encourage you to pleasantly linger. Speyer – clearly a place of stylish romance!

Situated at the Deutsche Eck, the world-famous “German Corner”, where the winding paths of the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, nestles Koblenz, one of Germany’s most Worms – the town of the Nibelung Saga beautiful towns and the ideal starting point for exciting excursions into the Upper 6 Middle Rhine Valley – a Unesco World Heritage Site. The history of this 2000-year-old A town made for heroes. With every step visitors to Worms encounter the Nibelung town spans the Romans and Celts, the and Merovingians up to modern times. myth of love, pride and pugnacity... If you enjoy being on the water, then board a Rhine This rich culture, the fresh local cuisine, the warmth of the Rhinelanders and the steamer and who knows – maybe you will find the legendary Rhine gold of the Nibe- exquisite Rhine and Moselle wines give this town its unique flair. lungs. The imperial cathedral from the 11th century, which still towers over the roofs A stroll through Koblenz’s old town and up to the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument at the of Worms and can be seen from far and wide, is affectionately known as the town‘s Deutsche Eck is a living history lesson. Hop on a ferry across the Rhine to the spec- “crown”. tacular Ehrenbreitstein fortress. Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to the legendary When the sun slowly sets in the evening, the town of Worms is bathed in a very Lorelei Rock, a classic Rhine romance experience. Then explore the world of art in special glow. The narrow and winding medieval alleyways are irresistibly inviting with many museums, the culture in the town theatre and cabarets, shopping in petite bou- the festively lit cathedral and numerous monuments, the Rhine laps softly onto its tiques and large malls... and why not enjoy a regional treat as a prickling refreshment in banks, locals and visitors get acquainted in the snugly cosy bars and wine taverns. between: a glass of sparkling Riesling wine. A romantic end to the day and a prickling start to the evening in one...

Kaiserslautern – city of contrasts 4 Worms, Municipal Museum Kaiserslautern is surprisingly tranquil for its size and surprisingly untouched for an international city. Experience the creative tension that results from these contrasts and makes the atmosphere vibrate: In the city of Kaiserslautern, love, lust and passion are always in the air! See for yourself and be enchanted...... there is so much to discover: The idyllic old town. The marvellous Japanese Garden. Exhibitions, sports, leisure and culture at the Garden Show. Art in the Palatine Gallery, one of the most significant collections in Rhineland-Palatinate. Stage highlights in the spectacular Palatine Theatre, live events in the Kammgarn Cultural Centre, clas- sical music concerts in the impressive Fruchthalle (Fruit Hall). Palatine wine taverns and French-inspired restaurants and, of course, the Palatine Forest almost at the doorstep: gazing over the endless hills of the largest unbroken forest region in Germany, body, mind and soul regain their inner harmony.

SPEYER: Die Kaiserstadt

Speyer blickt auf mehr als 2000 Jahre lebendiger Geschichte zurück und trägt den hochherrschaftlichen Titel völlig zu Recht – nicht weniger als acht deutsche Kaiser und Könige ruhen im atemberaubenden Speyerer Dom. Seit 1981 ist das größte roma- nische Kirchenbauwerk Deutschlands UNESCO Welterbestätte und zieht mit seiner mittelalterlichen Schönheit jeden Besucher in seinen Bann. Einst Zentrum von Politik und Macht besticht Speyer heute mit einzigartigen Se- henswürdigkeiten und einer eindrucksvollen historischen Altstadt. Die Via triumphalis, Speyers Flaniermeile, wird von Hunderten von Sitzplätzen im Freien eingerahmt. Zwischen Dom und Altpörtel reihen sich junge Straßencafés, traditionelle Weinstuben und quirlige Bistros wie Perlen auf einer Schnur. Oleander säumen Ihren Spazierweg durch romantische Gassen, Palmen schmücken die historischen Plätze, Promenaden laden Sie zum Bummeln und Verweilen ein. Speyer – ganz eindeutig ein Ort stilvoller Romantik!

WORMS: Die Stadt der Nibelungen

Eine Stadt wie für Helden gemacht. Hier begegnen Sie auf Schritt und Tritt dem Nibelungen-Mythos von Stolz, Kampfeslust und Liebe. Wenn Sie gern auf dem Wasser unterwegs sind, besteigen Sie einen Rheindampfer und wer weiß – finden vielleicht das legendäre Rheingold der Nibelungen. Sie wollen lieber hoch hinaus? Dann heben Sie ab und schweben im Heißluftballon übers Rheintal! Die sanften Weinbergshügel wie- derum laden zum Spaziergang ein, z. B. auf den Spuren des Heiligen Jakob, dessen 8 11 inspiring you!

Of stepping back in Koblenz time and UNESCO world

cultural heritage... Mainz

Trier Worms Speyer Cathedral Koblenz, Stolzenfels Castle Trier, Neumagen Wineship Round Trip Kaiserslautern Speyer Discover the cities – themed routes... 2 The cities of Rhineland-Palatinate reflect its chequered history. Unique monu- ments have survived the turbulent times and have plenty of tales to tell today‘s The six Romantic Cities are home to three of the four world heritage sites in Rhine- visitors ... land-Palatinate: the Roman monuments, cathedral and Church of Our Lady in Trier, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley near Koblenz and the cathedral in Speyer. In short: monuments, buildings and landscapes that are sure to inspire you!

Of emperors, kings Koblenz and imperators... Detailed informations and booking on our website www.romantic-cities.com

Mainz

Trier Worms Of wine, the rivers of Koblenz Kaiserslautern Speyer history and the people... Round Trip Mainz

1 Trier Worms Emperor Constantine the Great, champion of Christianity in the Roman Age, had Trier Kaiserslautern Speyer built as his imperial seat in the 4th century AD, and the architecture he commissioned Round Trip remains impressive even today. The dimensions of the Constantine (aula pala- tina) are breathtaking. Kaiserslautern is the place to explore the legacy of Emperor 3 Friedrich Barbarossa. Secret tunnels and the remains of his castle can still be seen today in front of the town hall. Four German kings and four emperors found their final “As far as the tower of the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) throws its shadow” resting place in the cathedral of Speyer, so it is right that it should be known as an was the measure to determine the area within which wines in Worms were allowed imperial cathedral. to give themselves the name “Liebfrauenmilch”. In Mainz descend into the world‘s deepest cellar at the Kupferberg sekt winery! Sekt from Koblenz was very popular in Detailed informations and booking on our website the 19th century among wealthy merchants and the nobility. In Trier, the importance of the wine for the church is clear: the ties between Trier cathedral and viticulture go www. back a long way, and the Bischöfliche Weingüter estates are among the best-known producers of fine wines among the international cognoscenti. romantic-cities. Detailed informations and booking on our website www.romantic-cities.com com 10 11 guiding 24h Trier you! spans the Moselle today. The path along the river is a lovely place for a stroll, past the medieval cranes, and always keeping St. Mary‘s column, which towers high above the town, in view. The pretty restaurants on the sun terraces of the district of Zurlau- ben are a stylish place to end the day and enjoy a drop of fine wine while enjoying glorious views of the Moselle. If you want to find out more about Trier‘s monumental buildings or the details of its proud Roman history, the q Rhenish State Museum 6 in the palace gardens is a must. No other museum in Germany provides such comprehensive information about the civilisation, economics, settlement, religion and art of the first four centuries AD. 1 6 5 After so many stone reminders of the past, you may fancy a little greenery… If that‘s the case, follow the Moselle Wine Route through the romantic river valley as it winds its way gently towards Koblenz, where the Moselle finally flows into the Rhine. Trier in 24 hours

Time travel included Seasonal tips: “Romance & History” A guided historical tour, a boat ex- Trier has numerous UNESCO world heritage sites, mostly dating from the glorious 1 Antiquity Festival cursion on the Moselle, a “cocktail days of the Roman Empire: the Porta Nigra, the Barbara Roman Baths, the Imperial 1 Old Town Festival d‘amour“, a romantic candlelight Thermal Baths, the amphitheatre, the Basilica of Constantine, the , 1 Bread & Circuses dinner, a visit to a day spa and a the cathedral, the Church of Our Lady and the Igel Column outside the gates of 1 Zurlauben Moselle Festival champagne breakfast in your hotel the city. 1 Christmas market room... A tour of Trier is like a walk through more than 2,000 years of history. The best q Online booking: place to start is the q Porta Nigra 1, the best preserved Roman city gate north of q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com the Alps. Dating back to the second century, it is still the main gateway to Germany‘s oldest city. Follow the pedestrian area from the Porta Nigra past the lively q Hauptmarkt D Next Holy Robe pilgrimage to Trier in 2012; (main market) 2 with its pretty buildings, market stalls, cafés and shops straight to www.dominformation.de q Trier Cathedral 3. The original building from 330 AD was the largest Christian church in the ancient world, and around four times the size of the current cathedral. The Roman core is still preserved, with its original walls more than 25 metres high. Directly adjacent to the cathedral stands the earliest Gothic church in Germany, the q Church of Our Lady 4, built in the 13th century. Past the Palais Kessel- Nordallee stadt, and you take another huge leap back in time as you come to the 4th century q

Basilica of Constantine 5, one of the greatest architectural creations of the ancient Th.-Heuss-Allee world. The rectangular hall is 71m long and 32m wide – a space of overwhelming size and simplicity, closed off from the outside world by 2.7m thick walls. This monumen- tal edifice was built for Emperor Constantine the Great, Roman emperor in Trier and Krahnenufer champion of Christianity. Continue to the q Electoral Palace 6, one of the most beautiful rococo palaces in the country. Passing through the q palace gardens 6, your journey through time takes you to Moselle Ostallee the amazingly well-preserved q Imperial Thermal Baths 7 and, just a few minutes walk from there, to the q amphitheatre 8 where crowds of up to 20,000 spectators throng to watch the „Bread & Circuses“ event, Germany‘s largest Roman festival. Then it‘s a 25 minute walk in the direction of the Moselle to the q Barbara Roman Baths 9, from where you have a view of the oldest preserved bridge north of the Alps. The Kaiserstraße

Weimarer Allee q Roman Bridge 10 with its basalt pillars was built in the 2nd century AD and still Südallee

restaurants on the sun terraces of the district of Zurlauben are a stylish place to end the day and enjoy a drop of fine wine while enjoying glorious views of the Moselle.

If you want to find out more about Trier‘s monumental buildings or the details of its proud Roman history, the Rhenish State Museum in the palace gardens is a must. No other museum in Germany provides such comprehensive information about the civilisa- tion, economics, settlement, religion and art of the first four centuries AD.

After so many stone reminders of the past, you may fancy a little greenery… If that‘s the case, follow the Moselle Wine Route through the romantic river valley as it winds its way gently towards Koblenz, where the Moselle finally flows into the Rhine. 12 13 guiding 24h Mainz you! From the museum it‘s just a stone‘s throw to the Rhine. There, you can either take a cruise with a Rhine riverboat and admire Mainz from the river, or wander along the pretty promenade. To the left is the q state parliament 7 and the q Electoral Palace 8, while if you head right you pass the historical q Fort Malakoff 9 and the shopping arcades to reach the q Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding 10 which has five original shipwrecks dating back to Roman times. Outside the gates of the city, the wide Rheinhessen hills stretch into the distance, reminding many visitors of Tuscany. Whether exploring the idyllic villages along the Rhine or the many villages of the ‚hinterland‘, it‘s worth looking out for the vintner‘s 4 6 5 taverns – a Rheinhessen institution. These cosy taverns are run by the wine-producers themselves on their own estates, and can be recognised by the bunches of flowers hanging above the doorway. A delightful and romantic way to round off your Mainz Mainz in 24 hours experience!

From wine to Rhine Seasonal tips: “Romance & Wine” Mainz and wine – the two go hand in hand. Situated on the edge of Rheinhessen, Wine tasting in the traditional Germany‘s largest wine-growing area, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate worships 1 Carnival and the Rose Monday Weinhaus Horn, a four-course the nectar of the gods. Rheinhessen is also known as the “land of 1,000 hills”, so it is carnival procession candlelight dinner, a visit to a only fitting that you should begin your tour of Mainz at the top of one. q Kupferberg 1 Johannisfest festival day spa including a cocoa back hill 1 affords spectacular views across the city and is also the location of the Kupfer- 1 Mainz Wine Market massage, the “Mainz-Card” and a berg sekt winery. The name “Kupferberg” is synonymous with sparkling wine. Ex- 1 Christmas market surprise gift... plore the centuries-old vaulted cellars, which burrow several storeys deep down into q Online booking: Kupferberg hill, and sample some sekt in the magnificent rooms of the neo-classical q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com building. From Kupferberg, it‘s on to the next hill, Stephansberg, where the q Gothic Church of St. Stephen 2 contains a unique treasure: stained glass windows by the French artist Marc Chagall. They bathe the church in an iridescent blue that looks like something from another world. Admire the breathtaking beauty of the windows - and don‘t miss what may well be the most beautiful in Rhineland-Palati- nate. From Stephansberg, your tour takes you through picturesque lanes down to the old quarter. The main street here is Augustinerstrasse, lined with little boutiques and home of the baroque Augustinian Church. Strolling towards the cathedral, on your left you‘ll see the Cherry Garden – a romantic square at the heart of the q old town 3. A few more steps across Leichhof square brings the imposing q 1,000-year- Th.-Heuss-Brücke Rheinstraße old cathedral 4 into view. Did you spot the mounted figure on the roof? It is St. Martin, after whom the cathedral is named. On the other side of the cathedral is the pretty q market square 5, where a lively market is held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Satur days. Rhine Cross the square in the direction of the Rhine, and you will come to the Haus zum Große Bleiche Römischen Kaiser, home of the q Gutenberg Museum 6. This is one of the oldest museums of printing in the world and is dedicated to one of the city‘s most famous sons, Johannes Gutenberg. As well as a copy of the world-famous Gutenberg Bible and many other unique printed treasures, the museum also has an authentic recons- Ludwigstraße truction of Gutenberg‘s printshop. There is a demonstration every hour from 10am onwards (except 1pm).

14 15 guiding 24h Koblenz you! On the banks of the river are picturesque little villages, vineyards and forests, and every now and then you spy an ancient building reaching out from amid the greenery. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley has 40 (!) castles and palaces. One particular highlight is Marksburg Castle near Braubach, which has remained virtually intact since the Middle Ages. In Koblenz itself, Stolzenfels Castle is a perfect example of early Romanticism on the Rhine. Even the climb up to it is something of an experience: from the Stolzen- fels area of the city, the path snakes up to the castle through a wooded gorge, past a rock grotto with a waterfall and underneath a viaduct. If you want to see the world-famous Loreley, you have to continue your journey as far 1 as St. Goarshausen. This is the home of the fabled rock where, according to legend, a Old Town Stolzenfels Castle beautiful water-nymph combed her golden hair and lured sailors to a watery grave with her beguiling song… Koblenz in 24 hours There are plenty of wine bars and restaurants in Koblenz where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat to keep you going . Proximity to the major wine-growing areas Discovering the area between the Rhine and Moselle of the Middle Rhine and Moselle means you can be sure of a drop of the good stuff in your glass. Koblenz lies at the point where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. The name couldn‘t be more apt, as it comes from the Latin “confluentes” or “confluentia”, meaning “the place where rivers meet”. q Deutsches Eck 1 (German corner), the symbol of the city, is Seasonal tips: “Romance & Rivers” thus an excellent place to start your tour. This is where the Moselle flows into the Rhine A cruise along the Rhine, a horse- under the watchful eye of Kaiser Wilhelm I, whose bronze equestrian statue sits in 1 Festival at Ehrenbreitstein drawn carriage ride through the splendour atop 100 stone steps. Fortress picturesque old town, transfer to Koblenz is not just a place where two great rivers come together: it is also a mee- 1 Auguste-Viktoria Festival the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with ting point for people, and has been since Roman times. Evidence of the city‘s 2,000 1 Rhine in Flames a candlelight dinner and a guided year old history confronts you at every turn. Immediately behind the Kaiser is the oldest 1 Street entertainers‘ festival tour through Stolzenfels Castle... of Koblenz‘s churches, the q St. Kastor basilica 2 which was built in the 9th century 1 Christmas market q Online booking: outside the walls of Koblenz at that time. Stroll along the banks of the Moselle, where q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com the cruise ships moor up, then wander back through the picturesque lanes of the old quarter to Florinsmarkt and the q Church of St. Florin 3, and the q Middle Rhine Museum 3 in the old Kauf- und Danzhaus (shop and dance house). D National Garden Show 2011 in Koblenz, From here, all roads lead to the q Church of Our Lady 4 and its beautiful baroque April 15th to October 16th; www.buga2011.de onion domes. Your tour continues across the square and through the area known as Entenpfuhl to q Jesuitenplatz 5. Through the portal of the former Jesuit college and the current town hall you come to a pretty inner courtyard and the q Schängelbrun- nen fountain 6. Past the municipal theatre and across Deinhardplatz, headquarters of the Deinhard sekt producer, you come to the q Electoral Palace 7 and the Rhine Parks. Moselle On the opposite side of the Rhine, the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 8 clings q Peter-Altmeier-Ufer to the rock, 118 metres above the river. Getting there can be a romantic adventure in itself: Take the ferry across the river then let the chair lift swing you up to the fortress. From here, you have incredible panoramic views across the city, hills, river valleys… and when the time and the weather are right, you get a glittering sunset thrown in for free! If you enjoyed your short ferry trip and would like to spend more time on the water, Clemensstraße then we recommend a river cruise - a classic way to experience the romance of the Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer Rhine. Several companies offer cruises on the Moselle and the Rhine, along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which stretches 65km upriver to Schloßstraße Rüdesheim. Rhine 16 17 guiding 24h Kaiserslautern you! look at on the outside, and even lovelier to experience from the inside, at one of the superb performances. The unmissable, 84-metre-high skyscraper nearby is Kaisers- lautern‘s town hall. The Panorama Lounge on the 21st floor is the perfect place to begin a romantic evening… Part of the town hall complex, q Casimir Hall 8 was built by Count Palatine Jo- hann Casimir who is celebrated in song as the legendary „hunter from the Palatinate“. The hall and the secret underground passageways can be visited as part of a guided tour (times and dates from tourist information). A little further on, information boards and a few remnants of the walls are all that‘s left of the former q Imperial Palace of 11 Emperor Frederick I 9, also known as Barbarossa. North of Ludwigstrasse is the q St Martin‘s Square “Spinnrädl” Pfalzgalerie 10 with its excellent painting and sculpture collections. If you are visiting between April and October, Kaiserslautern has two „green treats“ Kaiserslautern in 24 hours to offer. The q Japanese Garden 11 on Lauterstrasse is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The plants, ponds, waterfalls, fish, lanterns and rock gardens create an The Palatinate in a nutshell authentic oriental atmosphere. You can even enjoy a genuine Japanese tea ceremony by prior arrangement. The Regional Garden Show offers beautiful parks, indoor flower Experience the “city of contrasts” on a tour that takes in quaint corners of the old quar- shows, themed gardens, exhibitions and a comprehensive programme of cultural ter, lively shopping areas, grand gardens and extensive forests. As your starting point, events. From the top of Kaiserberg hill on the 22 hectare site you have fantastic views we suggest the q imperial fountain 1. It was built in 1987 and has a proud 12-metre of the city. Tip: Buy a combined ticket if you want to visit both sites. diameter. Its figures are a comic representation of the history of the city, with Emperor There‘s no charge to visit the Palatinate Forest just outside the city. The Hotel- Barbarossa at the centre. Restaurant Bremerhof (on Bremer Strasse behind the main train station) is an easy-to- Not far from here is the q Theodor Zink Museum 2 with its fascinating cultural find starting point for your day out in the country. From there, it is a half-hour walk to heritage and municipal history collections. It is housed in a former coaching inn built in the Humbergturm tower. The tower marks the starting point for a number of well-sign- 1817 and, along with the Wadgasser Hof opposite, is a charming introduction to the posted footpaths, and from the viewing platform you have great views of the wonderful historical old quarter. Admission to the museum also includes a visit to the Wadgas- forest landscape and the city of Kaiserslautern. ser Hof, where you can view the magnificent stucco room. At the other end of Steinstrasse with its many bars and bistros is the romantic St. Martin‘s Square, shaded by old chestnut trees. Two buildings from the mid 18th centu- Seasonal tips: “Romance & Gardens” ry, the Altes Stadthaus and the Rettigsches Haus, combine with the former Hotel Zum Visit the Japanese Gardens and Donnerberg, where Napoleon once ate breakfast, and the cast-iron fountain dating 1 Kammgarn Jazz-Festival the Garden Show, enjoy an aroma from 1891, to create an idyllic atmosphere. 1 Altstadtfest massage and an emperor’s bath St Martin‘s Square is the setting for the 14th century q St. Martin‘s Church 3, 1 „Swinging Lautern“ in candlelight, a horse drawn a typical example of a Franciscan church for the mendicant order. Have a look at the 1 Kammgarn Blues-Festival carriage ride with a picnic and a graveyard while you‘re there. It is still surrounded by remnants of the medieval city 1 Weihnachtsmarkt candlelight surprise dinner... walls. A brief detour down Rittersbergstrasse leads to the baroque q Little Church q Online booking: 4 (built in 1711 – 1717), which is still popular with couples tying the knot today. At the q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com end of Marktstrasse, the q collegiate church 5, one of the foremost late-Gothic hall churches in Germany, completes the Kaiserslautern trio of churches. Look around you: the fountain in front of the church, the Adler Pharmacy and other old buildings form a picturesque ensemble amid the modern city. This is also the location of Kaiserslautern‘s only remaining half-timbered building: the Spinnrädl. This historical inn is a good place to enjoy some typical Palatinate cuisine to fortify you for Ludwigstraße Mannheimer Str. the afternoon ahead. Kaiserlautern still has a lot more to offer! If you‘re in the mood to shop, cross Schneiderstrasse and enter the city‘s main shopping zone. Or, if you‘re ready for a bit more sightseeing, head across Schillerplatz Maxstraße Burgstraße instead. This will bring you to the q Fruchthalle concert hall 6, built on the model of Spittelstraße the Palazzo Medici in Florence, and the q New Palatinate Theatre 7. Both lovely to Fruchthallstraße

18 19 guiding 24h Speyer

you! And now, it‘s time for the q cathedral 6! Stand for a moment and admire the perfect layout, the balanced distribution of the mighty structures to the east and the west, the symmetry of the towers on the corners of the and the transept. Rhenish Roma- nesque in its purest form! The foundation stone for what is now the city‘s most famous landmark was laid in 1030 by Konrad II. Together with the cathedrals of Worms and Mainz, it forms the triumvirate of “imperial cathedrals on the Rhine”. Speyer cathedral is a place of superlatives: it is the oldest of the three imperial cathedrals. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest fully intact Romanesque building in Europe. 134 metres long, 33 metres high with a central nave 14 metres wide, it has the dimensions 6 6 6 of a Gothic cathedral. In its crypt, which remains virtually unchanged to this day, eight German emperors and kings have found their final resting place. Next to the cathedral is another major attraction. Covering an area of around Speyer in 24 hours 6,000m², the q Historical Museum of the Palatinate 7 houses an impressive collec- tion of exhibits from the Stone Age to the present day. In the footsteps of the emperors Directly behind the museum and the cathedral, the Rhine is a lovely, romantic place to end your visit to Speyer. Cruise past the cathedral and old quarter on a pleasure The Salian emperors made Speyer the intellectual centre of their empire. They had boat, discover the unspoiled quality of the idyllic “old Rhine” or marvel at the glorious ambitious plans for their city, and you can aim high too, by starting your “imperial tour” display of the setting sun on the water… with a climb to the top of the q Old Gate 1. At 55m, it is Germany‘s tallest city gate, built in the early 13th century. After exactly 154 steps you will be rewarded with fantas- tic views as far as Heidelberg and the German Wine Route. You can also see what‘s in Seasonal tips: “Romance & Emperor” store for you on your sightseeing tour. A sonic light bath in the saltwater If you stroll from the Old Gate down Maximilianstrasse, Speyer‘s main street, 1 “Bretzelfest” food festival grotto, a steam bath in My Spa, towards the cathedral and the Rhine, you pass by virtually all the main highlights along 1 “Kaisertafel” food festival the de-luxe bathing ritual with the way, although it‘s always worth a little detour or two. Our tip: take a walk to the q 1 Old Town Festival a glass of prosecco and a four- Memorial Church 2, which was endowed by the Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm II. Can you 1 Christmas and New Year course menu of your choice on see the emperor‘s children? Seven angels‘ heads in the centre windows are dedicated market both evenings... to them. Kaiser Wilhelm II is quoted as saying: “Once they were seven little rascals q Online booking: (Bengelchen), now they are little angels (Engelchen).“ q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com Of all the beautiful baroque and rococo buildings on Maximilianstrasse, two are worthy of special mention: the Old Mint built in 1748 and the town hall from 1726. From here you can already see the acclaimed Speyer imperial cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, but we recommend that you try and suppress your curiosity for a moment and take two little detours on either side of the town hall. To the right, in Kleine Pfaffengasse, are the q Jewish Baths 3 (open for viewing from April to October). The ritual cleansing bath (mikveh in Hebrew) is the oldest of its Petschengasse Hirschgraben kind. Its 10-metre-deep bathing shaft was built before 1128, and the eastern walls of the adjoining men‘s and women‘s synagogue are also still preserved. In the Middle

Ages, Speyer, Mainz and Worms were the centres of Ashkenazi Judaism along the Bahnhofstr.

Rhine. To the left of the town hall is Grosse Himmelsgasse and the q Trinity Church 4, Hafenstr. consecrated in 1717 and a wonderful, internationally important example of late-baro- Rhine que wooden architecture. (Open for viewing Wednesdays and Saturdays, and as part Schillerweg of a guided tour of the town). Maximilianstraße Stop! Don‘t retrace your footsteps straight away, but go a little bit further along Nonnenbach into the q Hasenpfuhl 5 district. This lovingly restored former fisher- Gilgenstr. men‘s and sailors‘ quarter with its fig trees, rose bushes and fountains, is the perfect Klipfelsau Hilgardstraße spot for a romantic interlude. 20 21 guiding 24h Worms you! belongs to the famous triumvirate of imperial cathedrals on the Rhine. A more recent highlight is the baroque high altar by Balthasar Neumann. Legend has it that the nor- thern imperial portal is the site of the fabled battle between Nibelung queens Kriemhild and Brünhild, which ultimately resulted in the murder of Siegfried the Dragon Slayer and the downfall of the Burgundy Kingdom. Opposite the cathedral, set amid parkland, is the q Heylshof Palace 10, home of some wonderful art collections. The Palace Gardens were the scene of numerous imperial diets, including that of 1521 when Martin Luther stood in front of Emperor Charles V and refused to recant his propositions. Memorial plaques on the ground re- 2 9 cord this momentous encounter. From here you can see the q Luther monument 11, Old Town erected in 1868, it is the largest of its kind in the world. Through the gardens, which follow the line of the former city fortifications, you Worms in 24 hours come to the church of q St. Martin 12, a Romanesque basilica in red sandstone with a lovely west portal. Then continue along Kämmerer Strasse into the former q Jewish From sagas to sunken treasures quarter 13. Together with the Jewish cemetery, the synagogues and the Jewish museum in Raschi Haus form a striking reminder of the once influential Jewish com- According to the saga, Hagen sank the Nibelung treasure in the Rhine near Worms. So munity in medieval Worms. what better starting point for your tour of the city than the q Nibelungenbrücke 1 over After all this sightseeing you‘ll be ready to discover Worms, city of wine. Continue the Rhine? Although this picturesque bridge with its mighty gate tower was only built at northwards for another 10 minutes to the q Gothic Church of Our Lady 14. the end of the 19th century, it gives the impression of being a gateway to the mysteri- ous days of the 12th century, when the Song of the Nibelungs was written. Just a few minutes‘ walk northwards on the bank of the Rhine is the bronze q Hagen statue 2, a Seasonal tips: “Romance & Treasures” reminder of the city‘s fabled history. An exclusive romantic evening 10 minutes‘ walk towards the town, at the Fischerpförtchen gate, is the q Nibe- 1 “Spectaculum” – medieval tour for two through the town, a lung Museum 3 which opened in 2001. Behind the attractive exterior – the museum is market candlelight dinner and a de-luxe housed in two towers of the medieval town wall – is state-of-the-art multimedia tech- 1 Jazz Festival “Jazz & Joy” suite with floral decoration and nology which brings the Nibelung saga to life in an exciting and unusual way. Tip: it is 1 Nibelung Festival breakfast in your hotel room... still possible to walk along parts of the town wall. 1 Backfisch Festival Now to explore Worms, town of churches. There are seven in the centre, all built 1 Christmas market q Online booking: before 1745. Close to the Nibelung Museum, on the right hand side of Petersstrasse, q www.romantic-cities.com www.romantic-cities.com is q St. Paul‘s Church 4, a hall church built between the 11th and 13th centuries, with a Dalberg high altar and Gothic cloisters, both worth a visit. To the left of Petersstrasse towards the market square is the baroque q Trinity Church 5 dating from 1725. The mighty cathedral is already in view, but there is another little detour to the left before you get there. The Adler Pharmacy building on Neumarkt square is one of the handful of town houses that has survived from the baroque era. Passing by the south side of the cathedral you come to the q Church of St. Magnus 6. The simple, one-roomed church has its roots in the Carolingian era of the 9th century and was later extended to include Romanesque and Gothic elements. Siegfriedstraße Berliner Ring The St. Andrew‘s Seminary on the other side of Weckerlingplatz square is home Nibelungenring to the municipal museum 7 which traces the city‘s history from prehistoric times Rhine q Adenauerring to the present day. The “Luther Room” contains original manuscripts by the great reformer himself. Behind Willy-Brandt-Ring is Heiliger Sand 8, Europe‘s oldest Jewish cemetery da- q Bahnhofstraße Barbarossa- Nibelungenbrücke ting back to the 11th century, with more than 2,000 preserved gravestone inscriptions. platz Next on your sightseeing programme is the magnificent q cathedral 9. The Romanes- que basilica dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, and, like Mainz and Speyer,

Ludwigstraße Wallstraße 22 23 inviting you!

Taster-Package “Romance & Shop” 1 night‘s accommodation in the Romantic City of your choice, tourist information pack,small gift in your hotel room... Price per person sharing a double room

from EUR 49 Romance Take a break and enjoy some time as a couple! Everything is ready for you: treat yourself and the love of your life to an exclusive, sensuous and memorable escape from the daily grind. Greeted with sparkling wine and roses, you can be sure of a relaxing and refreshing break in stylish surroundings. Discover the variety of the Romantic Cities: our special packages in this category add that all-important romance factor to your holiday.

Passion Cultural journeys and sightseeing tours around the Romantic Cities! Passion comes in many forms. Experience fine wines, good food or follow your own personal interests. The Romantic Cities have much in common, in terms of history and culture, and yet each city is distinctly different. Take a tour on any of a number of themes through the cities and the attractive countryside around them.

Spirit Relax and let yourself be pampered! Regeneration for body and soul. Wellness for the spirit and pleasure for the senses. Al- low us to transport you into a world of massages, steamrooms, thermal baths and salt baths. Add in a programme of varied and balanced meals, and you have the perfect recipe for a re-energising and revitalising break. Rediscover your joie de vivre and enjoy a variety of days out, shopping trips or important cultural attractions!

Romantic packages promise intimate breaks for starry-eyed new lovers, honey- Shopping mooners or anyone for whom the candle of love still burns brightly. Shop ‚til you drop! Our packages can be divided into various categories, and all you have to do Discover the great shopping in the historical ambience of the Romantic Cities. A fabu- is to decide which one best suits you. Whether it‘s health and fitness, shopping lous experience, summer or winter! International brands and lots of fantastic shops and dining or sightseeing tours around the cities and the attractive countryside and boutiques, all close together. Compare the prices: many items are cheaper than in – for detailed information, a journey planner and how to book, visit: other European countries! www.romantic-cities.com

Information and bookings: www.romantic-cities.com 24 11 contact reach us! us!

Contact and bookings: Frankfurt-Hahn airport

Detailed information and booking forms are available online at: “The gateway to the world” www.romantic-cities.com. General information is available from the cities themselves or Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH: Rhineland-Palatinate‘s Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is a colourful melting pot for travellers from all over the world, with around 60 scheduled flights every day provided by low- Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH Speyer Tourist Information cost international carriers such as Ryanair, Wizzair and Iceland Express. Tel. +49 (0) 261/ 915 200 Tel. +49 (0) 6232/ 142 392 [email protected] [email protected] Every day, planes leave Frankfurt-Hahn Airport for more than forty destinations www.rlp-info.de www.speyer.de throughout Europe. More than four million passengers a year use the airport, with its attractive mix of shops, car rental desks, bars, restaurants and hotels. Kaiserslautern Tourist Information Trier Tourist Information Tel. +49 (0) 631/ 365 23 17 Tel. +49 (0) 651/ 978 080 Bus services connect the airport‘s central bus depot with the Romantic Cities. Further [email protected] [email protected] information: www.hahn-airport.de www.kaiserslautern.de www.trier.de/tourismus

Koblenz Tourist Information Worms Tourist Information Tel. +49 (0) 261/ 303 880 Tel. +49 (0) 6241/ 250 45 [email protected] [email protected] www.koblenz-touristik.de www.worms.de

Mainz Tourist Information AG Städteforum Rheinland-Pfalz Tel. +49 (0) 6131/ 286 210 c/o Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH [email protected] Löhrstraße 103 – 105, 56068 Koblenz www.mainz.de/tourist Concept: Björn Rudek / Michael Kasper [email protected] www.hahn-airport.de